Question

question: 39 of 60

a nurse is teaching a client, who is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, about insulin safety. which statement is appropriate?

• \all insulins can be mixed in the same syringe.\
• \clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus should keep backup medication and supplies in their car.\
• \storing insulin in the freezer will prolong its stability.\
• \insulin is stable at room temperature for one month.\

Explanation:

Analyze the question stem

The question asks for appropriate teaching regarding insulin safety for a client newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Evaluate the first option

"All insulins can be mixed in the same syringe."
This is incorrect. Long-acting insulins like glargine (Lantus) cannot be mixed in a syringe with any other insulin because mixing can alter their pharmacokinetics and precipitate the insulin.

Evaluate the second option

"Clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus should keep backup medication and supplies in their car."
This is incorrect. Extreme temperatures in a car (both hot and cold) can degrade insulin, rendering it ineffective. Insulin must be kept away from direct heat and extreme cold.

Evaluate the third option

"Storing insulin in the freezer will prolong its stability."
This is incorrect. Insulin should never be frozen. Freezing destroys the protein structure of insulin, making it inactive.

Evaluate the fourth option

"Insulin is stable at room temperature for one month."
This is correct. Once opened, a vial or pen of insulin can be kept at room temperature (usually between 59°F and 86°F or 15°C and 30°C) for up to 28 days (approximately one month) to reduce injection site irritation caused by cold insulin.

Answer:

• "All insulins can be mixed in the same syringe."
• "Clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus should keep backup medication and supplies in their car."
• "Storing insulin in the freezer will prolong its stability."
• "Insulin is stable at room temperature for one month." (Correct answer)